Smoke has covered extensive areas in southern N.W.T., prompting air quality alerts for various communities. N.W.T. Fire issued a Facebook warning about heightened fire activity without posing new risks to communities. Environment Canada issued air quality alerts for Fort Smith, Yellowknife, Behchokǫ̀, Whatì, Wekweètì, and Gamètì.
Air quality is assessed by Environment and Climate Change Canada on a scale from one to 10, with one indicating the lowest risk and 10 the highest. The air quality index for Yellowknife and Fort Smith reached 10 plus on Saturday afternoon.
N.W.T. Fire advised the public to be cautious of health impacts from wildfire smoke, recommending staying indoors, avoiding strenuous physical activities, using recirculating air conditioning in vehicles, and keeping windows shut at home.
In Fort Providence, dry conditions have led to increased smoke. Firefighters are managing hotspots around the community, focusing on preventing the fire from spreading towards Highway 3 and nearby areas.
A separate update from N.W.T. Fire warned residents of Jean Marie River First Nation about potentially intensified smoke due to wind direction. A fire located 15 kilometers from the community and 3.5 kilometers from the Fort Simpson Ferry landing prompted crews to work near Highway 1 to contain the fire. Despite the fire’s proximity to Highway 1, it is not expected to reach the road on Saturday due to weather conditions.
N.W.T. Fire mentioned that rain is forecasted for Sunday around Jean Marie River, which is anticipated to decrease wildfire activity.
